Christmas Time Is Here!

I'm in astonishment over the fact that Christmas Eve is tomorrow! When you're a child, it seems like it takes forever for Christmas to get here, but as an adult, time flies!

We've been participating in last minute Christmas activities over the last few days!

On Wednesday, we made our gingerbread house. We made one for the first time last year, and it went so well, that Grant opted out this year. ;) Lexie really wanted to make one, so my mom bought her a kit. Since Grant had enough fun last year, I got to be the builder this year. Let's just say that I'm passing on that tradition to my parents next year. OR buying a pre-assembled one!




Sweet Lily laughed at the chaos.



After multiple house collapses, and icing getting everywhere, our house was complete!



Yesterday, Dylan had his last day of school before Christmas break. He had such a fun day complete with a Christmas party and a Christmas program. Right after he got home from school and Grant got home from work, we ate a quick dinner, and loaded into the car.

Our destination? Hartwood Acres Celebration of Lights!

We go every year, and it is gorgeous! Christmas wouldn't be the same without seeing the lights first!

Here's the description:

Enjoy a spectacular 3.2 mile stretch of twinkling holiday displays through Hartwoood Acres Park in the North Hills, all leading up to the beautifully illuminated Hartwood Mansion. More than 2 million lights and over 400 displays ranging from 3 to 40 feet tall are used to create this dazzling spectacle. The Hartwood Celebration of Lights helps raise money for WTAE's Project Bundle-Up benefiting the Salvation Army, which provides new coats, gloves and other cold-weather clothing to children and senior citizens. Suggested contributions by visitors also help to support the Woodlands Foundation which serves children and young people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Dylan and Lexie were so excited to see the lights! They look forward to it every year!

We always try to get there before the gates open, because if you don't, you end up waiting in traffic for hours to drive through the light displays. This year, we got there ten minutes before it opened, and drove right in!



Dylan and Lexie loved it! Dylan's favorite display was the man shooting a bow and arrow, and Lexie's favorite display was the big snowman blowing air out of his mouth!




Baby girl slept through it, though. I was SO tempted to wake her!



The lights were just as beautiful as ever, and there were even a few new displays to enjoy!













After we left the park, we surprised the kids with a tasty treat! We got ice cream cones and milkshakes at McDonalds!





Once we got home, the big kids had a sleepover, and my jolly baby watched me wrap a tower of presents. I think she was surprised by just how much there was!



The excitement level in this house is high! We can't wait for Christmas!